Reading Emergent Strategy was one of those mind-shifting moments for me. Not only was the content fascinating, the published work-in-progress challenged my notion about what a book should be. Namely, finished. But brown made no excuses. No apologies were needed for reserving the right to change her mind, despite having committed her words to print.

 

I went on to read or listen to some of her other books - she has many to choose from - Holding Change and Loving Corrections came into my hands at the right moments. Her friendships and generous collaborations introduced me to other influential voices, in particular, Prentis Hemphill. One of my fave conversations is this one. brown showed me how to credit the lineage of your own learning, to footnote experiences and conversations.

 

Everything is a work in progress. You can change your mind. You can hold strong opinions, loosely. You can use grammar to express yourself.

 

Allow words to speak through you.